ROBBIE Elliott could be the 'secret' target Colin Todd has earmarked for a record-breaking transfer swoop.

Wanderers are understood to have followed up an earlier inquiry for the former England U-21 star and sources in the North-east suggest a £2.5 million-plus deal could be on the cards.

Todd, who revealed last week that his second major signing of the summer was imminent, refused to confirm that Elliott was his man. But he didn't deny it either.

"We've made enquiries at a lot of clubs," he said, "and a lot of names have been mentioned. Elliott's name is one that was mentioned some time ago and it has come up again.

"Everybody knows I am looking for a left full-back and he comes into that category. But talk of a deal is premature."

If Elliott is the target - as exclusively revealed in the Bolton Evening News on May 28 - it will be a move that underlines the measure of Wanderers' Premiership ambitions.

The 23-year-old home-bred Geordie favourite emerged last season as a key member of the Magpies side that overcame a poor run and the shock departure of Kevin Keegan to claim runners-up spot in the Premiership under Kenny Dalglish.

He is considered an integral member of Newcastle's squad which is preparing for another title tilt and a European Champions League campaign.

Dalglish is believed to have been reluctant to let Elliott go, although he is known to be looking towards making changes to stamp his own personality on his St James' Park playing staff.

Plymouth Argyle have joined the chase for Wanderers' striker Mixu Paatelainen, who is also interesting Burnley.

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